Handyman license requirements in Minnesota

By PlainJob · Updated October 13, 2026 · 3 min read

Short answer: Minnesota requires a residential building contractor or remodeler license if you offer more than one special skill on homes, unless your gross residential receipts stay under $15,000 a year and you file a certificate of exemption.

General information, not legal advice. Checked October 13, 2026 against the sources below. Rules change, so confirm with the agency before you take a job.

Residential contractor and remodeler licenses

The Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) licenses residential building contractors and remodelers who contract directly with homeowners for work in two or more "special skill" categories, such as carpentry, drywall and painting, roofing, or interior finishes. If your gross annual receipts from that work stay at or under $15,000, you can file a certificate of exemption with DLI instead of getting a license. Roofing needs a license regardless.

Trade work

Electrical, plumbing and HVAC work are licensed separately and aren't covered by a residential contractor license or the exemption.

Official sources

Minnesota DLI: Residential building contractors

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Questions

Do you need a license to be a handyman in Minnesota?

If you do more than one kind of special-skill work on homes, you need a DLI residential contractor or remodeler license unless your receipts stay under $15,000 a year and you file a certificate of exemption.